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Podcast: Russia After MH17

From Vladimir Putin's odd midnight video statement to the Defense Ministry's Dr. Strangelove-like briefing, the week after the shootdown of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 has been littered with mixed and confusing signals in Russia -- at least on the surface.

Meanwhile, Russia's oligarchs and much of the country's financial eite are getting increasingly nervous about sanctions and a prominent former finance minister warns that the country faces isolation.

On the latest "Power Vertical Podcast," we discuss the domestic impact of the downing of Flight 17. Joining me are Sean Guillory of the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Russian and Easern European Studies and author of "Sean's Russia Blog," and Merhat Sharipzhan, an analyst with RFE/RL's Central Newsroom.

Comments

by: American Tolerast

July 25, 2014 22:49

Russia after MH17? Well, let's see. The Fuhrer is more beloved by peasants across the entire Reich than ever. Three hundred fewer liberast undermenshen are left to envy (along with cash, jewelry, and even makeup literally falling from the sky like manna from heaven), there are still plenty of migrants and gays to beat up, and vodka is still cheap. Another day in the world's most cultured and civilized so -HIC- ciety.

In Response

by: Viktor from: Russia

July 26, 2014 19:39

Is the world does not see the obvious. Ashamed of europe, shame of American power, as in kindergarten. How can you accuse anyone without providing any evidence.

The host is correct to be impressed by Diane Feinstein coming out against Russia in this catastrophe. One may disagree with her overall political views (I certainly do), but we cannot dispute that she is a serious and honorable politician. That is why she has added her voice to the horrified in the wake of this terrible calamity.

by: Eugenio from: Vienna

July 27, 2014 15:06

By the way, guys, for the last several months I have been spreading on this web-iste the disinformation, according to which Ukraine was going to desintegrate this coming winter. However, judging by the multiplication of reports on massive desertions from the Ukrainian army already now, I have to take my words back. Right now it does look likelier that the Ukrainian military will disintegrate this coming month of August already, and not in the winter as earlier promised :-)).Cheers from Vienna and I will be on vacations for the next few weeks. So, Konstantin and Asehpe, please maintain the entertaining discussion and I will join you again as soon as I can :-)).

In Response

by: V. Putin from: Moskva, RSFSR(+Crimea)

July 28, 2014 17:49

Ah, Yevgeniy! You've done excellent work on spreading the Absolute and Only Truth of the Great Bear Mother Russia! Every flaming, trolling, salvo you have launched against RFE/RL is a brick in the path to ultimate victory for Mother Russia! Bravo my lad, you've earned a vacation, and an award as well! Order of Stalin, First Class! But no pay raise. Your wage per comment shall remain as it is. Budgetary concerns, you understand.

But I will get you a discount on Vodka!

In Response

by: Eugenio from: Brest

July 29, 2014 10:13

Thank zou verz much, Vladimir! No need to worrz about the paz rise - the looming defeat of the US-sponsored Kiew junta will be the best compensation one can onlz expect!Liebe Gruesse from the West-Bielorussian citz of Brest (a verz clean citz with a rather relaxed life stzle) :-))!

In Response

by: V. Putin from: Moskva, RSFSR(+Crimea)

July 29, 2014 15:43

Yevgeniy, you're a credit to the cause! It's almost as if you believe the filth you spew! You don't really believe it do you? Because if you do, no more discount on vodka - I won't enable you further in that regard.

At any rate, I wouldn't hold my breath for the fall of the "Kiew junta". Those dastardly Banderites are putting up one hell of a fight. They've got the terrorists - er, I mean peaceful volunteer community service activists - on the run. I will have to send more tanks across the border soon. Er, um, I mean, uh, what tanks?

by: Ray Finch from: Lawrence, KS

July 27, 2014 16:38

Enjoyed the podcast, but I wonder if you are not over-emphasizing the purported allure of “Western civilization” for many Russians. For the past decade (or centuries, depending on the source), Russians have been told that the West/America is the source of evil. And while this is certainly false, Washington’s foreign policy track record over the past decade (e.g. Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria etc…) would appear to support this narrative.

I also think that Russian propaganda today, compared to the Soviet period, is more constant and insidious. Modern Russians, just like their foreign counterparts, are plugged in 24/7, but given the Kremlin’s control over major media, the anti-Western/American message is hammered home all the time. This is particularly true for the younger generation, who only have the post-Soviet experience as their point of reference. From the few Russian surveys I’ve seen regarding MH 17, the overwhelming majority of Russians believe that Ukraine (or its “western handler”) was responsible for this disaster.

by: Konstantin from: Los Angeles

July 28, 2014 04:53

Putin, one might give Russia benefit of the doubt in intensions to down civilian plane, pinning it on misunderstanding betweenGRU-Spetcnaz with trigger-happy bloody Russian Cossacks,on one hand, and Moscow command on another.But it is like "Stervyatnik" and its "Third Force" are fully in charge and planed it!All evidence point at it. _______________But why would we?Russia continue its attempts to conquer Ukraine and CIS at large, to kill, to plunder, to enslave, to repopulate.Insurgents and Russia destroying Ukraine.Why Russia wouldn't recall its forces and recognize Ukraine?_____________________________________________Putin, it will be never anymore USSR, or Russian colonial Empire, as "Strana rabov, strana skotov" of "Sretvyatnik".Withdrew and negotiate to have best of mutually beneficial trade and projects, but free and independent.Any nation and any of its Citizens have right be free and live in dignity - it is the bottom line."Stervyatnik" will not master over Europe and Asia.__________________________________________Apparently Putin, your Russia wish not agree with thebottom line - "Stervyatnik" say "Na koleny Hohol" andit will kill for it Ukraine and any other CIS nation...Russia turning all World against itself, as it deserves.

by: Tanel from: Estonia

August 01, 2014 13:17

I am an avid listener of the program. Listening into latest podcast, I feel that for the sake of an objectivity when talking about downed commercial airliners it would have been good, along to the references to Soviet misdeeds, also to mention USS Vincennes incident during Iran Iraq war. Let´s be honest it was equally as bizarre as the latest account.

About This Blog

The Power Vertical is a blog written especially for Russia wonks and obsessive Kremlin watchers by Brian Whitmore. It covers emerging and developing trends in Russian politics, shining a spotlight on the high-stakes power struggles, machinations, and clashing interests that shape Kremlin policy today. Check out The Power VerticalFacebookpage or Follow @PowerVertical